Optimizing your Boox device for focus (+ a New Note-taking App)

[@bernardvoss]

I have a Note Air 3C and use it on a daily basis mainly for writing. I use the build in note taking app and it works fantastic for me. To help me focus I just un-dock the toolbar and collaps it. Then you get a nice, clean and large writing area.

[@t0dd000]

The Boox looks more and more compelling. (Context: I'm a writer.) Thank you for this. I am still leaning towards Supernote because of us superior writing experience, focus, and design ... but it's missing a front light. That alone may pull me away. Plus with Boox, it's my understanding you can install Kobo and Libby. Being able to install Joplin so I can slam text into my primary writing platform would be super convenient. I wish the return policies were good enough that I could trial both and return one without such a financial hit.

[@tiffanynantista3940]

I got the SuperNote for school two semesters ago and let me tell you, you will miss the backlight. I’m looking for a boox device specifically because of that. I also have a kobo for leisure reading and being able to have the kobo app on the boox sounds like a great thing. Tbh I would use my SuperNote way more if it just added a few more things but without those things it’s becoming annoying to use. Or I should say, it’s annoying that it forces me to use other devices alongside it. I want one device I can use for school alongside my desktop. The SuperNote replaces a notebook for notes but that’s it, I’d still need another portable device for any other work. I feel like a boox device would let me do any schoolwork that a tablet would do so It would be the only device that I’d need to Cary to school. Anything outside of what the boox can do is something I’d do at home on my computer. I’m actually upset now because as I’m looking for a new device, I feel like I’ve waisted money on the SuperNote that I wanted to love

[@jacksonier]

Thanks for sharing this video. I've tried the "notable" app, and, unfortunately I was literary "not able" to write with it on my Note Air 3 (B&W). The pen did not work when writing on blank page, the pen worked when pressing the settings or choosing different pen type, but exactly on the blank page the pen did not work : (

[@lvevan]

What’s funny is that you are basically turning the Boox device into a Supernote one 😂

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Totally. I definitely prefer the Supernote software, but also like the capability and hardware of the Boox

[@kdjourney51]

Ouch

[@zoccat88]

except you do have backlight

[@tiffanynantista3940]

That’s literally what I want! I just want a SuperNote with a backlight

[@kalyan3]

can you migrate all your boox notes into this new app?

[@aymancassim8944]

I cannot download notable it says that is play protect is blocking it. Anyone knows how to disable it?

[@harleyjordan7668]

I like the idea of an eink note taker but my biggest hurdle is the notes are never future proof. Every app has their own format and when you get a new device or app the notes can't be transfered accross and you essentially loose them. If they were all saved in a standard format like svg or pdf then it could be possible. Unfortunately that is never the case. Sometimes you can export to these formats, but the process is lengthy and tedious, especially if you have a lot of notes. Anyone found a solution to this problem?

[@yon4348]

Would like to use a 3rd party launcher but the loss of quick access to notebooks puts me off.

[@BrandonKBoswell]

If you switch notebooks often then I totally get it. For me, I mostly use the same notebook.

[@hibaxxvi]

Great tips! Thanks :) Unfortunately, the Niagra Launcher does not run on the Boox Ultra C Pro. Are there any alternatives or workarounds?

[@weightupmountainguy]

Am I missing something? It won’t let me download notable.

[@Cam_Ske]

Brandon, thank you for the great content. I find your videos very helpful in my research but i am still struggling to make a decision. I would appreciate any feedback you or the community have. I am a masters student, I also work on multiple projects at work (requiring a lot of notes for each) , utilize a daily planner ( prefer templets), and also enjoy journaling. I have had my eyes on e ink tablets to replace lugging around multiple notebooks. I love staying organized and I want to ensure I am able to organize my various notes and thoughts simply. I do not require a plethora of applications, I want something simple, that helps me stay organized. I would like to also transfer documents between my PC and tablet as needed. I originally was considering the RM2 for its simplicity but I think it lacks the level of organization i need to be successful in my studies and work. I was considering the smartbook but its not clear from my research if it meets my needs. The amount of Boox options is a bit overwhelming and seem to be cluttered with potential distractions.

[@Yogunjob]

I bought a Tab Ultra C half a year ago for my studies and my work notes. It was a great decision to buy an e-ink tablet. It can do enough so you could do everything on there, but distractions like youtube, Netflix or whatever are so sub-optimal on e-ink that I don't feel like opening them. It is very easy in the boox devices to make separate bookshelves, folders and notepads for organization of different work environments (private, work, studies). These notes can easily be synced with Google drive, one drive, boox cloud or Dropbox. Also for marking up pdf files it is amazing. Storing your notes and annotations. The extra options do clutter your workproces though. But after some time you just focus on the ones you need (and know, because I really only know a few options I think). Then the rest I can personally quite easily ignore. How that would be for you, I cannot say. The only regret I have is not waiting for the note air 3C. The Tab ultra range is trying to bridge the gap to a laptop, but I don't like laptops anyway. Too small for my normal work (without docking station and extra screens) and too clunky for quick small notes or reading. I like that they want to bridge a gap and they are developing and trying stuff, but I think the note air 3c is (and will stay) a better device for that it is.

[@coreylazy]

Very nice specific suggestions! Thank you!

[@ehamel70]

So, I am getting closer to pulling the trigger on one of these notebooks. I have a birthday in a couple weeks and will also be selling a couple guitars, peddles and a amp…. Lol I am really attracted to the SuperNote for several reasons but what makes that one stands out the most is the fact that I don’t have to replace the nibs. However, I keep coming back to these Boox products. My question to you and anyone else here is this: Given that I already have a Chromebook and a Pixel phone, should I be looking at these Boox products or stick with my intuition and just get a SuperNote? My use cases are: 1. I am a reader, and I would love a place to read, annotate, do marginalia and keep a notebook of my thoughts while reading and to argue with the author… lol. I love arguing with Marry Shelly… lol. 2. I want to keep Commonplace Book in a digital format so that I won’t need a closet full of paper journals. 3. I am a believer that handwritten notes stick in the brain longer and facilitates learning. Thank you in advance.

[@dougberscak1043]

Hey Eric, I had a SNA5x for two weeks. I’m sold on e-ink and I’m switching to a Boox NA2+. I quickly realized that I want a device that can write, read, and take some action (via an app like Todoist). Distraction free for me is when a idea pops into my head while reading or writing I have the need to “capture” right there and then (in seconds) knowing it will be there to follow up on any device. The SNA5x was ok (keyword, star, table of contents) but I’d have to go back and search each page for the actual action item (if that makes sense)….so having the ability to install a lightweight 3rd party “capture” app like Todoist was key for me. Hope this helped!

[@ehamel70]

@@dougberscak1043 Thanks bud, I went with both a Boox Tab Ultra C and a Boox Poke 5. I'm very happy so far.

[@dougberscak1043]

@@ehamel70 nice! Wondering about the Ultra C’s battery life?

[@ehamel70]

@@dougberscak1043 Well, like Kit says... This is not just an e-reader with a battery that lasts a month. This device has higher demands placed upon it and though it has a larger battery it can't do miracles... Lol. I believe Kit uses his a lot more than I use mine and he mentioned he gets about 2 days charge. I also bought a Poke 5 and that's what I do most of my everyday reading on and that helps share the load with the Tab Ultra C. Hope that helps buddy.

[@cnemenzo1122]

Why I can’t find the notable app

[@siamakzahmat]

Great video with some next level tips. Do you still use Notable on the Boox Tab Ultra C? Does Notable feature colors too? And what about search through your handwritten notes? On a different note, no pun intended, have you considered the new Tab Mini C?

[@impulsesystems]

Just noticed that the last Notable update was in Jun 27, 2023. I'm about to try it out on a NA3.

[@briangoncalves9996]

Does it connect to Google calendar?

[@roripocket6273]

yes

[@daryafarivar4017]

What is your pen in this video?

[@maryhazlett]

So for me, it's all screwed up. I know nothing about launchers - never had to. I installed Niagara. Installed some favorites. Don't knotted how to get back to it to edit. next to app icon - words so blurry they can't be read. Also, I've never been able to get the R side to "drop" down. Can get the L side (message notifications) to drop sometimes. This is now so effed up that I think I need a factory reset but can't get to the main settings page.

[@vegeta19940]

How to download Notable app ?

[@yesyacanpelican]

Same question!

[@realericanderson]

I honestly think notable has less latency than the default app, because it’s not doing AA after word completion.

[@gombau]

Hi Brandon 👋🏻 A very interesting video about focus with Boox. I've a question. What's the pen that you use? I think thats a Kaweco pen but I don' know. Thanks in advance for your work 🤙🏼

[@dotancohen]

4:40 I love the pen holder. I looked on Aliexpress for something similar, but did not find anything. Did you make that out of cork?

[@BrandonKBoswell]

It came with the Studio Neat Mark One.

[@dotancohen]

@@BrandonKBoswell I see, thank you.

[@119988al]

How do you download Notable on the Boox? When I try to load the apk file my Boox says that this file could harm my device.

[@Doviruses.existbaileyonodysee]

is there possibly a launcher or a way to focus the smaller boox device as a calendar/daily planner/organizer/diary? where possibly little features like where you can have the calender on the lock screen, go further and display your daily/weekly itinerary or appointments/events. Updat: i do love how clean the device becomes with this launcher. & the note app looks nice and simple, yet promosing. cool little app. Using the 7.8 device i couldn't make the line spaces bigger/zoomed. But while test writing along i would have like to be able to drag my other hands finger to move across the page ( a bit like how you can middle click the mouse button and move the mouse slightly to scroll down/up) but to hold a true N/S or E/W line so even on blank pages your writing is staight. or atleast it would be interesting to try. thatway the hand could potentially remain in one spot and for .

[@oraz.]

I want to get one split screen it horizontally do integrals from the pdf. I also want to take pictures of my integral workbook and turn that into a pdf.

[@anthonydraper1231231]

I have started using this, and Boox actually has a widget for the built-in notes app, so you can access it straight from that homescreen! It’s really great. They also have one for your library, and you can actually add both and swipe between them. Still looks really minimal, but keeps all the necessary functionality.

[@2niteL8R]

Very good video, thanks for sharing

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@scottbecker3485]

Very cool source of inspiration - thanks! Really looking forward to decluttering my Boox. Only wish I could find an equally focused app, like Notable, that somehow interfaces with a companion iOS app. Any ideas would be more than welcome.

[@BrandonKBoswell]

AFAIK something like that doesn't exist yet, but would be a great expansion / monetization opportunity for Notable.

[@annvoy7698]

Well, GoodNotes will be coming to Android. It may not be focused enough though and not sure whether it'll not be too complicated for most of the Boox devices. Maybe on the Tabs?

[@scottbecker3485]

@@annvoy7698 Great news - thanks! We shall see.

[@torleifaskedal9205]

Hi Brandon. I installed the Niagara launcher on my note air 3 C and I can barly se the icons. I have tried to adjust in the e-ink center, but still not usable. Any tips?

[@Gxixig]

I like that notable app! I wish I could code because I’d totally bring Supernote-style linking/tables of contents to the Boox.

[@charina_custodio]

Great video! Really appreciate going through your own setup. I never realized I could customize it to be more minimal as I hated having all the using the book native apps in sight. One question, where can I get that pen holder you have on your thumbnail?

[@PasqualeCataldi]

Hi Brandon, great video! I really hope that Notable gets developed further by the community (and a big shout to the great author who has made it open).

[@alexanderpiggins]

Does anyone know if you can link a bluetooth keyboard to the Boox Mini C? I feel like that would make it perfect for reading and note taking (and perhaps, finally, I'll write that amazing novel).

[@BrandonKBoswell]

That should work just fine

[@seanshadow]

How did you get Niagara to have just one column of apps? Mine has two

[@shadowhenge7118]

I was looking at a galaxy tab but at the end of the day i wanted something to replace literal text notebooks and graoh paper i use for writing, sketching designs, and world building. Im torn between the boox tab ultra c so i can add some color to my technical sketches, and organizing tons of notes and lists and other junk. I need it to connect to my google drive, where everything i do stays generally organized. I dont really want a third party subscription, for someone else's computer organizer, though. Is the boox really good for this or is there a better option?

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Boox Ultra C sounds perfect for you.

[@roripocket6273]

thanks for sharing Your Video

[@bellissimo4520]

4:57 - "They really don't give me an option to get rid of those things." - What do you mean? You can customize the toolbar as you like. However, there is a big argument against using the built-in note taking app anyway - migrating your notes to another device is much more difficult or even impossible (when your next device isn't an Onyx Boox). With a "standard" Android app, you're not bound to a certain device anymore.

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Not all items can be removed from the toolbar.

[@GrantSR]

This whole, "I need a device that can never distract me" rhetoric is pure BS. It is made up by the marketing departments for companies that make products that don't quite have enough features for people to use for their everyday purposes. It is pretending that a lack of features is a good thing. And I can tell when youtubers are doing nothing but echoing the marketing rhetoric when they focus in on this silly goal of having something that can never distract them. All you have to do is turn off all of your notifications. I have ADHD too. I don't need a separate device for every single different thing I want to focus on. If you are easily distractible then having your phone in the same effing room with you is going to be just as bad as having it in your hand. I don't need to know how you figured out the perfect system so that you can never be distracted. I need to know if the product I'm thinking about buying has the features that I am willing to pay $500 or $700 for.

[@BrandonKBoswell]

We’re all welcome to our opinion.

[@stephenowens8658]

Actually, some people like myself benefit greatly from not seeing distractions & using something like the Remarkable tablet. With a regular tablet, I'll see something & then waste time searching wikipedia or amazon for awhile.

[@girlgamersdoitbetter8650]

We are all different. I have HEAVY ADHD and I’m on 6+ medications a day. Having something like this is a huge help for me in my job since I can be easily distracted and disorganised. My phone is deep in my drawer (if I’m not seeing it it doesn’t exist 😅) A great headsets or earplugs and this improved my productivity by a lot. I personally love it 😊

[@frankiej134]

Pure BS? Made up by marketing departments? I’ve benefited from many of these “KZbinrs” collaborating about features of these devices and making instructional videos to help people set up and use these devices to fit their needs. The ones I listen to don’t echo marketing departments. They’re refreshingly independent and critical. Lots of people, myself included, are finding these devices to be well worth the price and the videos from guys like Brandon to be extremely helpful. Sorry it’s so frustrating for you. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

[@kustomkure]

not bs at all

[@MatthewSSchwartz]

Very cool, I'm going to try out Niagara. One question on the Notable app -- is there any handwriting recognition? If not, do you know of any apps that work better than the native Notes app? Recognition is SO SLOW, reflow never works, and it's clunky to export!

[@MatthewSSchwartz]

OK, Niagara is VERY cool and I love that we can put widgets on screen! This is definitely scratching my Tab Ultra itch :)

[@mooffalo]

I tried the app on my tab c using the link you provided in the description. When I installed it, the program was listed as "Inka" under apps, not notable. Maybe I did something wrong? I noticed the eraser on my pen didn't work, and the background also has a grid that I can't figure out how to get rid of. For the Niagara launcher, I had to make "pop-up" folders with content browser widgets... one for notes and one for the library. It's not a very elegant solution, but it mostly works. I've noticed that the home button still takes me to the boox launcher. I think that's probably the most annoying thing, and I don't know how to get around it.

[@BrandonKBoswell]

If you set Niagara as your default launcher then the Home button should take you to Niagara.

[@David-iq1kd]

The main thing that looks compelling to me about the default Boox notetaking app, is the ability to make links between notes. Can Notable create links between notes?

[@BrandonKBoswell]

No it cannot. If that’s critical for you then stick with the Boox App

[@tinac7350]

Just what I was looking for. You gained a subscriber. Thank you

[@ViewpointwithMohan]

Hi Brandon, I been following you for long time now. Ur content is so helpful for me and inspire me to create KMS. Now, i am planning to get digital note taking e-ink tablet. My focus on writing, reading books from kindle. In free time, i also read manga. I am debating between BooX note 2 + and super note a5x. i am ur opinion on which would help me better. I am mostly look for distraction free device.

[@BrandonKBoswell]

♥️+🥹. If your primary focus is distraction-free, go with the SuperNote.

[@QuanLe-ww1ev]

Does notable write to a file that can be synced and viewed across devices?

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Hey there, I recently answered your question on the Q&A Livestream: kzbin.inforcsNvKnDA08?feature=share

[@lucertola123456]

Niagara launcher do not work on my boox air 3c...

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Interesting. What are you experiencing?

[@SludgeMan90]

Hi Brandon. Question for you. Do you think it is possible to attach a non Bluetooth USB keyboard via a USB hub to the new TAB X and have it function properly? I am specifically looking for an E ink device with all of the functionality and versatility offered by the TAB X ( efficient web surfing, videos, android OS etc.) but with the capability to have a physically connected keyboard so that I may avoid relying on blue tooth. thank you!

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Yes you can.

[@SludgeMan90]

@@BrandonKBoswell Thank you for the reply. I have already placed an order for the TAB X. can't wait to get my hands on it.

[@JordanK.Clarke]

Hi. What keyboard is that in the photo for the video? And how does it connect?

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Drop Alt Signature Series Space Race. It's not connected to the Boox in this image. The Boox supports keyboards over USB or Bluetooth

[@johnnyhibbs]

Inspiring, thanks Brandon. However, Niagara will not run on my new Tab X at all, it "keeps stopping". What gives?

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Interesting. I haven’t tried it there, but I will give it a go and let you know if I run into the same.

[@johnnyhibbs]

Update: Niagara devs are aware of this issue on certain devices, in certain circumstances. Mysterious. I suppose a new Boox Tab X is one of them.

[@Bruceneuman]

I look forward to your video regarding why this device does not replace an iPad, which is what it seems to be designed to do. Why buy an expensive e-ink device and then pare it down? Why not simply use an iPad, which is better at almost everything, and then augment it with a simpler e-ink note taking device, particularly one that works well as a complement to the iPad and its apps?

[@FernandoRodriguez-pj5uh]

Note Air 2 is not designed to replace an iPad the fact that it is not color is just more then enough reason. The apps are there because it’s an android device. But I use it just for note taking and sharing documents and to read kindle books. No distractions like an iPad. Video rendering is also not something you want to do in a Note 2

[@2niteL8R]

Written on an iPad, these are different beasts. While the iPad is great tool/device it too has its place. You may well have all your needs covered by an iPad. 👍 The e-ink devices, are different, like muted devices, matte b/w display (though colour is started to appear). The screens are less in your face without the backlighting, gentle on your eyes. Although there seem to be added more functionality on these e-ink devices, they have historically been limited in their functionality. Read, write, draw, focus with less distractions. I personally don’t like doing hand writing on my iPad, I am using a pro 12.9 and while I like the big screen, I also don’t like it for reading and handwriting. So hence an e-ink

[@IngmarSweep]

To me, your background is distracting. I wish there was a way to turn it off, so I could listen to you without distraction.

[@MarcelloBranca]

Yeh the background music is useless

[@TheRealQueenCobra]

The background is fine silent videos are annoying

[@lucasl1047]

What pen is that?

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Kaweco Al-Star EMR Connect Pen. There is a video on it on the channel.

[@lucasl1047]

@@BrandonKBoswell Will watch, thanks!

[@masakieguchi6646]

Hi Thanks for the great video! I wonder how obsidian works on the Boox devices. Did you perhaps try how they are compatible with each other...?

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Without an Obsidian Sync membership it's a bit of a pain, maybe I will bite the bullet and try it at some point.

[@Dierre]

Please

[@roripocket6273]

There is a software named Drivesync that allows You to sync with Google drive.

[@roripocket6273]

I have it installed on Boox Page.

[@roripocket6273]

with obsidian

[@DrewLytle]

Great video Brandon! I feel like between you and @AndrewFolts I am slowly going to become an e-ink hipster

[@BrandonKBoswell]

Thanks for mentioning Andrew! I've been watching a ton of his videos since you mentioned him and even had a great chat with him. ♥️

[@DrewLytle]

@@BrandonKBoswell Nice!!